It was approximately 8 o’clock last Tuesday evening and upwards of 40 women were seated at long tables rolling just-made dough and shaping it into the famous Koularakia cookies that will be on sale during the 37th Annual 3-day Cranston Greek Festival that will be held Sept. 8-10 on the Church of the Annunciation grounds at 175 Oaklawn Avenue.

Thus, Koula Rougas – who has been a huge part of the festival’s pastry team since 1991 – walked into the spacious all-purpose room inside Demetrakas Hall and issued a special request.

The one-time Pastry Chairperson was smiling and asked members of the 2023 “Baking Brigade” to join her in singing Happy Anniversary to her son, Dr. Steven Rougas and his wonderful wife Tricia, who is one of four co-chairs on the pastry committee along with Nancy Harritos, Kathy Grammas and Kassiane George.

Almost instantly, everyone began singing and their special voices echoed throughout the hall and into the kitchen where Costa Dafoulas, Jimmy Harritos, Gus Proyous and Costa Gramma were taking huge trays of the famous Greek sugar cookies in and out of the ovens.

In the middle of it all was Dr. and Tricia Mrs. Rougas and their children Kosta, 11; Niko, 7 and Kay Rougas, 6.

 “That’s just great!” was one of the statements that followed the brief ceremony honoring the couple’s 14th anniversary. “They are such a great family.”

Moreover, it was a classic example of the devotion and dedication countless proud parishioners have for the Greek Orthodox Church.

“I’m so proud of my son and daughter-in-law,” Koula Rougas said, her voice ringing with emotion. “Instead of going out and having a glass of wine and dinner for their anniversary, they’re here helping with the baking.”

However, that’s just one of many acts of dedication Dr. Rougas has had over the years for the famous festival.

Dr. Rougas, who works in the emergency room at RI and Miriam Hospitals as well as Brown Medial School, is director of Annunciation’s award-winning and highly acclaimed Odyssey Dance Troupe that will put on four performances in special Greek attire during the upcoming festival.

“We will all celebrate after what we hope will be the best festival ever,” several ladies offered while enjoying a warm piece of spanakopita (spinach pie).”

Yet another example of the “ingredients” that makes the Cranston Greek Festival one of the most attended and cherished summers events sin Rhode Island.